# archdeacon

/ˌɑːtʃdˈiːkən/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/archdeacon
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a high-ranking church official who helps the bishop manage a large area. They often have a lot of power in the local church community.

For teachers: a high-ranking ecclesiastical officer, typically ranking below a bishop and above a priest, who oversees a specific region or diocese. Often responsible for administrative and disciplinary matters within the church hierarchy.

## Examples

- The archdeacon visited the local churches to check on their progress.
- After the bishop retired, the archdeacon took over the responsibility of managing the cathedral's finances and staff.
- Historically, the role of the archdeacon was pivotal in the governance of the diocese, acting as a bridge between the local clergy and the central ecclesiastical authority.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.